Grow: A podcast from Cambridge

Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we are joining Marcio Souza from his very own classroom in Brazil.Host Rebecca Rios, hears about Marcio’s journey from being raised by a family of educators to conducting doctoral research on Plurilingual intercultural competence in English teaching in the UK. Marcio shares the importance of balancing formal and informal language and celebrating diverse Englishes to equip students for the real world.In this episode of Grow, you will hear about:Navigating the differences between teaching preteens and teens.The importance of plurilingual and intercultural competence. Supporting student’s confidence for international exams.Practical tips for well-being as an educator. You’ll also hear from Jess Rundell from the Cambridge Dictionary team, sharing a top tip for bringing the Cambridge Dictionary Word of the Year 2025 into your classroom. Find out more about the Word of the Year 2025 here, and explore free Cambridge Dictionary teaching resources. Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join the conversation in your teacher community: Explore fresh ideas, share your insights and connect with educators around the world.Send your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

Join us for another inspiring episode of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. This week we join Rubén Hernández Rodríguez, a passionate English teacher in Mexico City.Host Ricardo Morales dives into Rubén’s 25 years of teaching experience and uncovers his secrets to motivating students and balancing both his professional and personal life.Rubén’s story will remind you why teaching English is about so much more than just language. In this episode you will learn about:Transforming teenage classrooms into safe, dynamic learning spaces. Creating meaningful connections with students.Navigating technological changes in the classroom.You’ll also hear from Matt Ellman & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on creating tailored follow-up. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers, including the Integrated Learning and Assessment course and an ideas pack, at cambridge.org/ILADiscover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

Hello and welcome to another episode of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we are back in France, with host Luísa Geão speaking to Clélia Daniel.This episode is a beautiful example of what it means to teach with both presence and passion. We talk all about the rhythm that makes a great teacher a wonderful conductor, and Clélia even shares the joyful ritual of dancing with her pupils every morning. Clélia believes that young learners truly are philosophers but that the key to success in primary education is all about teamwork and continuous learning.In this episode of Grow, you will learn:Short, dynamic activities for young learners.Why movement should be at the heart of every lesson.The importance of language learning as a bridge to understanding different cultures and perspectives.Clélia’s unique philosophy of teaching through rhythm.You’ll also hear from Matt Ellman & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge who share a top tip on delivering actionable feedback. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers, including the Integrated Learning and Assessment course and an ideas pack, at cambridge.org/ILADiscover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

Hello and welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today our host, Joel Cutting joins us from the UK to chat with Peter McMahon - a teacher with a diverse background in both primary school and adult language settings. Peter shares candid insights about transitioning between teaching contexts, the transformative power of the CELTA course and how his passion for languages has shaped his career.You’ll discover practical teaching strategies, hear heartwarming stories of student success and gain valuable perspectives on managing workload and maintaining enthusiasm in education. Tune in to discover:The unique challenges and rewards of being a supply teacher.Practical advice for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Strategies for teaching across different environmentsThe importance of seeing student progress. How language learning can break down cultural barriers. You’ll also hear from Matt Ellman & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on how to collect evidence of progress in your lessons. Discover further, free, practical support for teachers, including the Integrated Learning and Assessment course and an ideas pack, at cambridge.org/ILADiscover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we are joining Fernanda Maria Parente Batalha from her very own classroom in Brazil.Host Rebecca Rios, learns how Fernanda believes in the importance of connecting with students through real-life examples, personal stories and understanding their individual experience. For her, teaching goes far beyond just delivering content. She shares her honest struggles and brilliant strategies for teaching every age from primary, through to teenagers, and adults. In this episode of Grow, you will hear about:Creating classroom environments where students feel seen, heard and motivated to learn.Strategies for engaging younger students and how current generations interact differently with learning. Learning through play and engagement to create dynamic environments. Inspiring stories of student’s transformation and growth You’ll also hear from Matt Ellman & Cecília Lemos Harmer from the Professional Learning and Development team at Cambridge with a top tip on creating effective learning objectives. Explore free, integrated learning and assessment tools for teachers, including our new course, ideas pack and more, at cambridge.org/ILA.Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

Hello and welcome to another episode of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we are back in France, with host Luísa Geão speaking to Csilla Ducrocq, a Professor at Université Paris-Saclay. Csilla’s story is one of resilience, creativity and the impact of human connection in education. She has transformed her multicultural experiences into innovative teaching methods including her “crazy science” activities that make language learning engaging and memorable. And whilst she does embrace digital tools, Csilla emphasises that meaningful education happens through emotional connections between teachers and students, with AI serving as an enhancement rather than replacement for human interaction. In this episode of Grow, you will: Be inspired to think differently about education and cultural understanding. Discover how giving educators the autonomy to design their own programs can lead to breakthrough teaching methods. Learn the impact of connecting students across borders.Hear heartfelt words Csilla’s students wrote about how her classes opened their horizons.You’ll also hear from ELT Author and Trainer, Jeremy Harmer with a top tip.Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

In this episode of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge, host Diana Romero Saucedo speaks with Miguel Espinosa Flores at the Universidad del Valle de México. Miguel, who began his teaching career at 19 years old, reflects on his initial nervousness and how he overcame the challenges of teaching students close to his own age by trusting in his knowledge and a passion for what he does. He discusses the importance of creating a fun and comfortable classroom environment, even in a university setting, and shares why he's so passionate about leaving his mark on the world through education.In this episode you will hear all about:The impact of incorporating student’s interests into lessons. Miguel’s tips for building rapport with students.The shared feeling of accomplishment when a student succeeds.How to strive for improvement in teaching every day.Going beyond language instruction to teach life skills and values.You’ll also hear a top tip from Miranda Hamilton, who has over 25 years experience as a teacher, teacher trainer and educational consultant. Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

Welcome back to another episode of Grow: A podcast from Cambridge where today we welcome John Slade, a CELTA trainer and EFL teacher in London. Hosted by Joel Cutting, in this episode you’ll discover how John transformed his passion for languages into a thriving career that spans continents and disciplines.Whether you’re a newly qualified teacher looking for guidance, or perhaps considering CELTA training, John’s practical advice on building relationships with schools, saying yes to opportunities and staying present in the classroom will resonate deeply. In this episode of Grow, you will:Gain insights into making pronunciation less daunting.Discover unique techniques drawn from John’s background in dance and acting. Hear practical advice for progressing from newly qualified teacher to trainer. Learn the importance of contributing to the wider ELT profession through collaboration and knowledge sharing. You’ll also hear from teacher trainer and educational consultant Miranda Hamilton, with a top tip that you can use in your classroom! Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Find out how you can start your own CELTA journey.The world’s best-selling grammar book, English Grammar in Use Fifth editionExplore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org

Welcome back to Grow: A podcast from Cambridge. Today we are joining Amanda Benites from her very own classroom in Brazil.Host Rebecca Rios explores Amanda’s heartwarming journey from a shy language learner to an inspiring educator. They dive into the world of bilingual education, the use of technology in the classroom and those magical moments when students truly connect with language. Amanda believes teaching English is about so much more than just grammar and vocabulary - it’s about helping students learn about themselves, build confidence and develop critical life skills. In this episode of Grow, you will discover:Attention-grabbing techniques and mindfulness for engaging young learners. How to create a classroom where mistakes are seen as positive stepping stones to learning. Tips for integrating language learning and technology purposefully.A positive understanding of bilingualism as effective communication. You’ll also hear from educator and materials writer, Michelle Worgan with a top tip that you can use in your classroom! Discover thousands of experiences, insights, ideas and resources on the World of Better Learning blog. Explore our extensive range of learning resources and the world’s most recognised exams and tests for English - all ready for you and your institution.Join our social community:FacebookInstagramLinkedInXTikTokYouTubeSend your audio questions to be answered in future episodes:growpodcast@cambridge.org